Who threw the first octopus on the ice?

I grew up in the Detroit area, now I live in Utah. I know that at Detroit Red Wings games we had a tradition in the playoffs of throwing an octopus on the ice. But I can't for the life of me remember why! - Tawnia

It's truly a sight to see for any Hockey fan: when the Red Wings win a playoff game, you might see an octopus make an appearance center ice. In fact, some fans even smuggle the creatures into the arena inside their coats! But what's with the odd tradition?

The Motor City's proud tradition of saluting the Detroit Red Wings with slimy creatures of the deep dates back over half a century.

The first octopus landed on the ice during the Red Wings' 1952 Stanley Cup run, courtesy of brothers Pete and Jerry Cusimano, who owned a fish market. If you know your cephalopods, you will know that an octopus has eight tentacles. In those days it took eight playoff wins to claim the Cup, hence the supposed symbolism of the gesture.

The Red Wings were perfect in the '52 playoffs, sweeping the semifinal and the final in straight games. The octopus has been a good luck charm ever since.

By 1995, the team had adopted the tradition by introducing a mascot, Al the Octopus. Al is raised to the rafters of Joe Louis Arena before every home playoff game and used in team merchandising and promotion.

• 

  Bailey Zappe not only played fantastic against the Browns on Sunday, the Patriots rookie QB also made some NFL history in New England's 38-15 win.

• 

  There's a new No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll after Alabama was upset by Tennessee. Georgia takes the top spot ahead of Ohio State.

• 

  This free service could help you save on health insurance

• 

  Bubba Wallace was fired up after a incident with Kyle Larson Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and confronted the reigning NASCAR champion.

• 

  Iga Swiatek took surprise finalist Donna Vekic's best shot and emerged with the tournament victory.

• 

  MLB expanded the playoffs from 10 to 12 teams for this season and the Dodgers earned a first-round bye. It had nothing to do with their elimination.

• 

  These pictures show some hilarious scenes taken at airports worldwide. You will definitely be entertained.

• 

  On Saturday, Wilder finished Robert Helenius in a frightful manner to score his 42nd knockout in 46 professional fights.

• 

  The Dodgers' collapse against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series could prompt changes, but Dave Roberts is set to return as manager.

• 

  Kool-Aid McKinstry could have been Alabama’s hero Saturday night. Leading Tennessee by a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, the Crimson Tide cornerback intercepted a fourth-down pass from Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker in the end zone before returning it to the Alabama 18-yard line. Thinking he had iced the game, an exuberant McKinstry blew kisses to a stunned Tennesee faithful inside Neyland Stadium.

• 

  Learn about integrating Point of Sale systems.

• 

  ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports

  Patriots owner Robert Kraft is having quite a week. On Wednesday, Kraft and his family’s foundation made a whopping $50 million donation to Massachusetts General Hospital in order to address disparities in healthcare caused by race, ethnicity, geography, and economic status. On Friday, Kraft was married. Via the New York Post, Kraft invited guests to [more]

• 

  What are the bowl projections and the College Football Playoff calls after Week 7 of the college football season?

• 

  Warriors CEO Joe Lacob is being punished for spending to reward proficiency. That's wrong.

• 

  Chat to Harvey to learn about the HR-V's new design, hybrid tech and more

• 

  Chiefs fans shared their thoughts about the team following Sunday’s loss to the Bills.

• 

  Following Alabama's loss to Tennessee, the Crimson Tide have now dropped to No. 6 in the latest AP Poll. They were previously at No. 3.

• 

  The first rounds of the postseason saw three 100-win teams lose to opponents with worse records. Is this a sign of a flawed system or just how baseball works?

• 

  This device helps you stop snoring in a natural, healthy and simple way.

• 

  Tom Brady was seen yelling at his offensive lineman near the end of a lackluster first half for the Buccaneers offense against the Steelers.

• 

  The MMQB's Albert Breer says Mac Jones' relationship with the Patriots "got a little sideways" over the last couple of months due to the team's changes on offense.

• 

  Gerrit Cole may have earned all of his $324 million contract on the basis of his Game 4 effort alone.

• 

  You May Be Paying Too Much For Your Internet - Internet Providers Prices In 2022 Might Surprise You

• 

  Bubba Wallace said of the incident with Kyle Larson: 'Larson wanted to make it a three-wide dive bomb. Never cleared me. I don’t lift.'

• 

  Here's a roundup of reaction from Patriots players and head coach Bill Belichick to Bailey Zappe's performance in New England's Week 6 win over the Browns.

• 

  Points, results: Where everyone finished Sunday at Las Vegas and the Cup playoff standings as Joey Logano won to clinch a spot in the championship round.